Can SQL Server 2008 and 2005 coexist on a single dev machine?

Hey folks, I’m thinking about adding SQL Server 2008 Developer to my machine that already has 2005 Developer. I need to keep both versions for testing and compatibility reasons. Has anyone done this before? I’m worried about potential issues. Do I need to use different instance names or port numbers? Are there any gotchas I should know about before I start the install? I’ve heard it’s possible, but I’d love some real-world advice from someone who’s actually done it. Thanks!

yea, its totally doable. ive got both on my machine. just make sure to use diff instance names. havent had any major probs, but watch out for connection strings in ur apps. might need to update those. good luck with ur setup!

I’ve successfully run SQL Server 2005 and 2008 on the same machine for years. The key is proper configuration. Use distinct instance names and ports for each version. Be mindful of memory allocation; ensure your machine has sufficient resources for both. Regularly update both versions to mitigate security risks. Consider using SQL Server Configuration Manager to manage network protocols and services for each instance. This setup has been invaluable for maintaining legacy applications while developing new ones. Just remember to clearly specify the intended instance when connecting to avoid confusion.

hey sam, i’ve done it before. use different instance names & ports. what compatibilty issues ar u facin? have u thought about virtualizashun for isolatin environments? curious what testing scenarios r u trying out?